Remembering the mercy we have received

When life is good, it’s easy to forget the times it wasn’t. All our previous struggles are just a distant memory to us.

Of course, it’s great when we see God’s work in our lives and how he has delivered us.

But we should never forget the mercy we received from him when we were hurting.

That’s what God was telling the people in this passage.

God told them to give justice to “the resident alien, fatherless child, and widow,” and to show them mercy.

Why? God gives them the reason in verse 18.

Remember that you were a slave in Egypt, and the Lord you God redeemed you from there.

Therefore I am commanding you to do this. (Deuteronomy 24:18)

And again in verse 22.

Remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt.

Therefore I am commanding you to do this.

In short, “Remember your times of pain. Remember the times you suffered injustice. And remember how the Lord showed you mercy and saved you.

“Now you do the same. Show mercy and grant justice to those who are hurting.”

We have all received great mercy from God.

How can we not show that same mercy to those who are hurting around us?